Winemaker Notes
Big, rich and assertive. Stormin’ offers intense fresh blackberry and orange peel complimented by savory anise, nori and baking spices. A bold wine with muscular tannins and medium acidy create a dynamic and expressive palate while balancing the powerful flavors.
A perfect wine for richer meals or to be enjoyed on its own.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Pinot Noir Stormin' was matured for 16 months in 48% new French oak. It has a medium ruby color and lush scents of black cherries, blueberries, bergamot and turned earth. The palate is silky and fresh with youthfully coiled fruits and a long, spicy finish. It could use another 2-3 years in bottle to unwind.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Led with Clone 777, the 2019 Pinot Noir Stormin' Estate Vineyard has a darker fruit profile, with black raspberry, rich mineral earth, and cedar. Full cherry fruit floods the palate, with baking spice, fine tannins, and a long finish. Hold this another year or so and drink 2024-2034.
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Wine Spectator
Refined, with well-honed dark fruit and dried flavors that are supported by racy acidity and fine-grained tannins. Offers rich forest floor notes midpalate, with a finish loaded with Asian spice and minerally accents.
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Wine Enthusiast
Fresh red-cherry and raspberry flavors ride a full body and modest tannins in this ripe and mouthfilling wine. It's just brimming with yummy fruit, spicy cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tempting, lightly tannic texture.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.